The world is changing faster than ever. Jobs that were taken for granted just ten years ago are now under pressure from technology, automation and shifting market demand. It is therefore a question that is on the minds of more and more professionals: will my field of work still exist in five years’ time? And what can I do to future-proof my career, including any reskilling?
This article will help you think through your position in the labour market, step by step. From recognising early warning signs to making informed choices about further training or retraining. Because you have more control over your own future than you might think.
How quickly is the labour market actually changing?
The labour market is constantly changing, but the pace at which this is happening now is unprecedented. Technological developments such as artificial intelligence, robotisation and digitalisation mean that roles are being adapted, combined or completely replaced at a rapid pace. At the same time, new professions are emerging that did not exist five years ago.
In practical terms, this means that tasks which used to be carried out manually are increasingly being automated. Examples include administrative processing, routine customer contact and basic data analysis. This does not only affect those with low levels of education. Positions requiring higher professional education (HBO) and university (WO) qualifications are also feeling the effects. The question is not whether your field is changing, but how quickly and in what direction.
Precisely because change is happening so quickly, it pays to take a proactive look at your position. Anyone who waits until the change is already having an impact on their own role is playing catch-up.
What are the signs that your field is under pressure?
There are clear signs that your field or role is under pressure. Look out for: fewer new vacancies in your sector, increasing automation of core tasks, falling demand for your specific expertise, or a shift in what employers are looking for in job descriptions.
Some early warning signs to look out for:
- Job vacancies in your field are increasingly requiring different or additional skills
- Colleagues in similar roles will be redeployed or their roles will be merged
- Your organisation is investing in technology that will take over your current tasks
- Industry organisations and trade journals are reporting a structural decline in your sector
- You find that your knowledge is becoming less relevant in conversations with customers or colleagues
These signs need not be a cause for panic, but they do call for action. Those who recognise them early on have the greatest scope to make a conscious choice about their next step, whether that involves further training, retraining or a change of direction.
How do you assess whether your skills are still future-proof?
Your skills will be future-proof if they align with the direction your sector is taking and if they are difficult to automate. Skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving and adaptability will remain valuable, regardless of technological developments.
A practical way to assess this is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Which tasks in my role are routine and repetitive?
- Which tasks require human judgement, empathy or creativity?
- Am I learning new things in my current role, or am I stagnating?
- What are employers in my field increasingly asking for in new job vacancies?
Self-awareness plays a major role in this. Knowing who you are, what you are capable of and what you want forms the basis for any good career choice. Those who lack this self-awareness find it difficult to determine which direction is right for them and which steps are realistic.
What is the difference between retraining and further training?
Further training involves deepening or updating your existing knowledge and skills within your current field. Retraining goes a step further: you develop your skills for a different profession or sector, often because your current field offers insufficient prospects.
When should you opt for further training?
Further training is the logical choice if your field still has a future, but the nature of the role is changing. Think of a marketer learning to use new digital tools, or a project manager adding agile methodologies to their toolkit. The direction remains the same; the specifics are refined.
When is retraining the better option?
A career change makes sense if your field is in structural decline, if you find that your work no longer energises you, or if you’re consciously looking to take a new direction. A career change requires more time and investment, but also offers better long-term prospects. It is a conscious choice that works best when you know what you want and what suits you.
When is professional career guidance a good idea?
Professional career guidance is useful when you find yourself stuck in your own thoughts, unsure of which direction you want or need to take, or when you’re taking major steps such as a change of role, retraining or a return to the labour market.
Many professionals wait too long before seeking coaching, because they think they have to figure things out for themselves. But a coach offers something that self-reflection alone cannot: a mirror, structure and an independent perspective. It is precisely when you are in the midst of change that it is difficult to maintain a clear overview.
Career guidance is also valuable if, whilst you are performing well from a technical point of view, you find that you are no longer enjoying your work or that you are not making full use of your talents. Remaining employable in the long term After all, it doesn’t start with a crisis, but with awareness and proactive choices.
How do you go about making your career future-proof?
Start by gaining self-insight: identify who you are, what you’re capable of and what you want. Next, analyse the trends in your sector and compare them with your current profile. Based on this, decide whether further training, retraining or a different career path is the most appropriate option.
Specific first steps:
- Write down which tasks give you energy and which ones drain your energy
- Read trade publications and actively keep up to date with developments in your sector
- Talk to people in roles that appeal to you
- Take stock of the skills you already have and those you’d still like to develop
- Get a realistic picture of the job market in your chosen field
Small steps make the bigger picture more manageable. You don’t have to change everything tomorrow, but you do need to start consciously thinking about the direction you want to take today.
How Nieuwkans helps with future-proof working practices
At Nieuwkans, we believe that everyone can shape their own future. We help employees gain a clear understanding of themselves and the labour market, so that they can make informed and realistic choices. Whether that involves further training, retraining or enhancing personal effectiveness.
Our sustainable employability programme offers:
- Understanding your natural talents and cognitive behavioural preferences through the science-based BrainsFirst methodology
- Two interactive sessions focusing on your current and future role
- Fully personalised support, with no one-size-fits-all approach
- Practical tips for anticipating changes in your field
- Support with career choices, from further training to retraining
We always tailor our approach to your personal circumstances and goals. No one-size-fits-all programme – just support that’s truly tailored to you. Are you curious to find out what we can do for you? Contact us and find out how you can start building your future today.